Paul Goodwin
Doncaster Rovers

Rovers have suffered a major injury setback after revealing Federico Macheda has returned to Manchester United for treatment on a hamstring problem.

The 22-year-old is expected to be sidelined for three weeks - ruling him out of the remainder of his initial one-month loan agreement.

However, Rovers appear to be confident that the player will return to the Keepmoat Stadium once he regains full fitness.

Macheda, who became an instant hit at Rovers by scoring two on his home debut against Nottingham Forest before bagging the winnning goal at Sheffield Wednesday, was replaced by James Coppinger in the closing stages of Saturday’s hard fought 1-0 win against Leicester City.

Boss Paul Dickov told the club’s official website: “He came off with a tight hamstring and will be missing for a good few weeks but we are still looking at extending his deal as we hope to have him back soon.

“We are speaking to Manchester United to do a deal to get him back once he is fit.”

When Macheda first arrived at Doncaster last month, Dickov was confident that the Italian would prolong his stay in South Yorkshire beyond an initial month.

His impact has been unquestionable.

Rovers have secured seven points from a possible 12 since the Italian was introduced into the starting line-up, while his arrival also gave Dickov the firepower to switch to an effective 4-3-3 formation at home.

Manchester United are understood to be paying a large portion, if not all, of the striker’s sizeable wage packet.